A Pristine Reflecting Pool

Out the back door of the Amicalola Falls Visitor Center and on to the trail up to the base of the falls and toward the terminus or trailhead for the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain we went. It’s winter so the foliage is bare, but beautiful. The beauty that our loving God created for us is not limited by season or terrain. It is just different. Without the foliage the distant wonders peek through to our limited eyesight and reward us with otherwise unknown delights. A scurrying chipmunk is revealed when it would never be noticed at a different time. We cross a manmade road to get to the other side and more unspoiled beauty by the hand of God. OK, there are some ugly manmade picnic tables that are a blessing for those who need them and will enjoy them, but just beyond them is the beautiful babbling stream in and around and over the rocks and boulders. Now we take a small incline and find ourselves on a parking lot. Yes it’s ugly, but helpful for those who need it to access the wonders of God Almighty’s awesome creation. Then we come to the pool, the reflecting pool. Beautiful clear water lightly covered with ice from low temperatures and a cold breeze. We cast our eyes over this delightful comforting kiss from God and sigh. Thank you sweet Lord for this amazing gift!

As our eyes glide over this small wonder shock and disgust overwhelm. A large piece of paper in the pool brings anger from the surface of the pool to the surface of my heart. Enduring one man scourge to another to find an untouched piece of art created by the Master of Masters, the Artist of Artists and to find that even it has been spoiled is heartbreaking. Yes, it was only one sheet of paper and maybe I should just be more tolerant, but it’s hard. I see two worlds. I see the world that God created for us to delight us and thrill us and to make His love known to us and I see the world where we have replaced His beauty with convenience through ugly manmade structures and devices. I understand the need for the manmade, but I’ll never understand the lack of respect for God’s awesome handiwork and artistry and gestures of love and comfort and grace.